Driver ran over school crossing guard after dispute, police say

A 33-year-old motorist was arrested on a charge of intentionally striking a Slidell school crossing guard with his vehicle Monday morning (May 2). Police booked Francis Gras with hit-and-run driving, reckless driving, aggravated battery, resisting an officer and several drug offenses.

Gras was arrested after police received a 911 call around 8:15 a.m. of a disturbance between him and a crossing guard outside Abney Elementary School, 825 Kostmayer Ave. Witnesses told police that Gras disregarded the crossing guard's instructions and a vocal altercation ensued.

The crossing guard told Gras she was going to contact police. At that point, witnesses said, Gras put his vehicle in reverse, squealed his tires and accelerated forward, intentionally striking the crossing guard with his vehicle, according to the Police Department.

The crossing guard was knocked to the ground. Gras fled the scene.

He was apprehended about 10 minutes later. He initially resisted arrest but was eventually detained without injury, police said.

The crossing guard was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and was expected to make a full recovery.

In addition to the traffic charges, Gras was also booked with fourth-offense possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of schedule I narcotics in a drug-free school zone. He was booked into the Slidell city jail and was to be taken to the St. Tammany Parish Jail for bond setting.

Police Chief Randy Smith said he is grateful that the crossing guard received only minor injuries and happy that the suspect has been taken off the streets and put in jail. "Crossing guards play a very important role in our community by keeping our school children safe," Smith said. "This type of behavior is appalling and unacceptable."